We know forgetting takes place due to the decay of memory traces (i.e., the loss of connection between neurons in the brain). Therefore, in cases of neurocognitive disorders, are there any contributions of ego defense mechanisms (particularly mental repression) in the process of elderly neurodegeneration that result in forgetting?
I believe this question is more philosophical than practical. However, I can say that while neurodegenerative diseases may exacerbate psychological symptoms and potentially affect how memories are processed or recalled, this would not typically be considered repression in the psychoanalytic sense. In clinical practice, cognitive symptoms coming from neurodegenerative diseases are generally treated and managed differently from issues arising from psychological repression.
The question being reformulated is (if you agree!): In clinical practice, do we neglect the concept of repression when dealing with neurodegenerative diseases?
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